The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the June/July 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty" about this phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how context collapse affects how we interact with each other on social media, what scripture says about how we talk about hot topics (like abortion), and what it means to behave like a Christian online while still speaking the truth. This is a rebroadcast from May 23, 2019. 1 Peter 3:13-17 ESV 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

The Rev. Jerry Lawson, who serves the Lord in Russia as a theological educator, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community where he serves in St. Petersburg, stories of learning cultural nuances, the focus of his service here, and how the Lord has provided for his service during his time there. Read his family's story and how to support their work at lcms.org/lawson, and also follow the Lawsons on Facebook at facebook.com/LawsontoRussia.

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should do both devotions and attend corporate worship, what to look for in devotional material, and how to pick out if the devotional material is worthy of your time. Find the Treasury of Daily Prayer at cph.org/treasury or find the PrayNow App in your Apple or Google Play app store. This is a rebroadcast from August 29, 2019.

Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a few hymns common during the "Green Season," or the season after Pentecost or Trinity. These hymns are: LSB 708 "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart," LSB 722 "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me," and LSB 729 "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus."
 
 This is a rebroadcast from August 27, 2019.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the relationship between fear and mystery, distinctions to make between fear, anxiety, and worry, and how we can know to ask for help with our fear. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com. This is a rebroadcast from January 27, 2020.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the ways we deal with emotions (both good and bad coping mechanisms), practical tips for faithfully dealing with emotions, and why this even matters in our relationships. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com. This is a rebroadcast from October 21, 2019.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to share an update on the work of LHF and partners around the globe, including the state's case filed against Bishop-elect Juhana Pohjola of the Finnish Mission Diocese, Dr. Heise's book on the persecution of Lutherans in the USSR, a new translation of Luther's Small Catechism in the Zou language, and more projects in progress. You can visit lhfmissions.org to read about the ways LHF is providing Gospel resources in many languages.

Kelly Schumacher, liturgical artist of Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts, joins Andy to discuss the joys of learning watercolor painting and announces upcoming classes in the St. Louis area. You may request more information at AgnusDeiArts.com.

Lee Hinton, MSgt, USAF (Ret), Assistant to the Director, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces joins Andy to discuss how chaplains made a difference for her during her deployment and announces the Adopt-a-Chap program for LCMS congregations. Learn more at lcms.org/adopt-a-chap. You may also email [email protected] or call Lee at 314-996-1337.

The Rev. Dr. James Marriott, Director of Music Arts and Dean of Chapel, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis joins Andy to discuss the June 2021 Carillon Concert Series and the uniqueness of the carillon as a musical instrument. Learn more about the Carillon Concert Series at the CSL website: https://www.csl.edu/campus-life/music-arts/concordia-seminary-concert-series/.

Kay Meyer, President, Family Shield Ministries joins Andy to share ideas for building up your family and lifting up your neighbor in prayer while taking the family on an outdoor prayer walk. More tips and resources are available at the FSM website: https://familyshieldministries.com/family-prayer-walk/

Dr. Daniel Deen, Professor of Philosophy and Program Director of Crosswise, Concordia University Irvine and Dr. Joel Oesch, Director of Graduate Programs in Theology at Christ College and Executive Director of Crosswise, Concordia University Irvine join Andy to discuss the upcoming Crosswise Summer Weekend for high school students. Why is dialogue on contemporary issues important for young Christians today? Crosswise engages students in dialogue about complex issues to equip them for critical thinking and faithful witness. Learn more about Crosswise at Concordia University Irvine on their website at cui.edu/crosswise.

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kloha, Chief Curatorial Officer for Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C, joins Andy to discuss the upcoming Magna Carta exhibit. Dr. Kloha shares the importance of this historical document for Western nations today and its relationship to the Bible and the English Church. Learn more about the exhibit at the Museum of the Bible by visiting their website: https://www.museumofthebible.org/exhibits/magna-carta.

The Rev. Jeff Pflug of Faith Lutheran Church in Madison, Indiana, joins Andy to share a personal story about overcoming stigma and facing mental illness with dignity to find the healthiest outcome. Resources mentioned in this episode include community education from NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health First Aid.

The Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology and coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to talk about the church's commemoration of Constantine the emperor and Helena, mother of Constantine.

Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to talk about the history of the day of Pentecost. We look at the origins in the biblical Feast of Weeks and the Church's observance of Pentecost today.

Dr. Danny Faulkner— Researcher, author, and speaker for Answers in Genesis and Hannah Klein, coordinator for the Gateway Creation Conference, join Andy to talk about topics to be covered at the upcoming Gateway Creation Conference. Topics include design astronomy, the light travel time problem, the Galileo affair, and flat Earth. Hear these presentations and more at the upcoming Gateway Creation Conference, June 25-26. at The Rock Church of St. Louis’s Ballwin campus. Learn more and register at creationconf.com.

Rehema Kavugha, Synod Relations Manager for Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming "Growing in Christ" webinars offering support to church workers and volunteers who have labored exhaustively during the pandemic. You can request an invitation to the webinars online: lcef.org/webinars

Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Weber, Managing Director of the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg, joins Andy and Sarah to share an update on the the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, how the community of Wittenberg has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and opportunities to visit the Old Latin School. Learn more about the Old Latin School and how you can visit at oldlatinschool.org.

Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the M.Div. and Residential Alternate Route (RAR) Programs at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what God says about emotions, why we have emotions, and what role emotions play in our well-being, decision making, and faith. Find his book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered from WestBow Press at amazon.com and westbowpress.com. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."

Brianne E. Gerzevske, Assistant Executive Director with LCMS Mission Advancement, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Mission Advancement does for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, how the work of the LCMS is funded, and the exciting dollar-for-dollar matching opportunities that are available to further our mission at nationally and internationally. Find these opportunities and how you can give at lcms.org/matchinggifts.

Seth Hinz, Director of brand, marketing and creative at Pathfinder Church and St. John School in Ellisville, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we use social media, how we navigate conversations and interactions even when they make us frustrated, what's important to consider when we want to share the Gospel on social media, and how to build relationships to have better interactions in the long run. Read his article "Sharing the Gospel on Social Media" in the May 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2021/two-views-on-technology-and-faith-part-2-sharing-the-gospel-on-social-media.

Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Jesus' ascension into heaven is historically important, what it means for us, and how the church has celebrated this feast through the ages. This is a rebroadcast from May 21, 2020.

Stephanie DiDonato, marketing content specialist at Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the CPH Reads Summer Reading Program, the benefits of a summer reading program, who can participate (hint: everyone!), what books are eligible, and how the program works, including points and prizes. Learn more and register at read.cph.org. The program begins June 1, 2021!

Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we read the Church Fathers, how we regard their writings, and where we find our Lutheran theology in these writings from Church Fathers. He also gives us an exemplary summer reading list:
 
 Polycarp of Smyrna, Epistle to the Philippians, Martyrdom (d. 155)
 Ignatius of Antioch, Letters to the Churches, Martyrdom (d. 108/140)
 Epistle of Barnabas (70-132)
 Justin Martyr, First Apology (100-165)
 Irenaeus, Apostolic Preaching (130-202)
 Melito of Sardis, On Pascha (d.180)
 Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition (170-235)
 Cyprian of Carthage, Unity of the Catholic Church (210-258)
 Athanasius, On the Incarnation (296-373)
 Cyril of Jerusalem, Lectures on the Sacraments (313-386)
 John Chrysostom, Marriage & Family Life (347-407)
 Augustine, Confessions, On Christian Teaching, Enchiridion (354-430)
 Cyril of Alexandria, Unity of Christ (376-444)
 Leo the Great, Sermons (beginning at XXI, especially 73-74) (400-461)
 Gregory the Great, Pastoral Rule (540-604)
 
 You can find many of these writings for free at ccel.org/fathers, and you can also purchase several of them in the Popular Patristics series from St. Vladimir Press at svspress.com. Share your progress with us on social media! Find us @KFUOradio on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
 
 Find the Lutheran Witness online articles referenced in this episode at witness.lcms.org/author/geoff-boyle.

Megan Miessler, DCE, LCSW — Executive Director of Lutheran Counseling Services (LCSFL) in Winter Park, Florida — joins Andy to talk about how everyone has mental health, how we can acknowledge our need to care about our mental health, some common myths about mental health, and how we can help care for our neighbor's mental health as well as our own. Learn more about LCSFL at lcsfl.com and find mental health resources at nami.org. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the May 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead," about this phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Dr. Rebecca Schmidt, Director of LCMS School Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah during Teacher Appreciation Week to talk about how Lutheran schools have adapted and persisted through the challenges of the past year, some benefits that we may see from working through challenges, and how we can show appreciation for our teachers this year. Learn more about LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.

Rev. Micah Glenn, Director of Recruitment at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how pastoral and diaconal formation begins for many students, how high school years are a good time to explore the ideas of serving as a pastor or deaconess, and how Vocatio helps students discern their future vocations. Learn more and register at csl.edu/vocatio.

Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology and coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the life and legacy of St. Athanasius of Alexandria, including what we know of his early life, what has going on in church history at his time (294-373), his role in this history, his conflicts with Arius and Arianism, and how he helped shape the church confessions and creeds we have today. Find "On the Incarnation" by Athanasius at svspress.com/on-the-incarnation-english-only.

Dr. Cameron MacKenzie, The Forest E. and Frances H. Ellis Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the life and legacy of Friedrich Wyneken — the second president of the LCMS, including what we know about his early years, how God used his abilities to be a missionary to America in the mid-1800s, how he worked together with others to found The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and where we see his legacy today. Read more about Wyneken at Concordia Historical Institute's archives concordiahistoricalinstitute.org/presidents/president-wyneken.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her new book "Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration" available from Concordia Publishing House, including how we all experience brokenness, why it's helpful to identify types of brokenness, how brokenness affects our relationships, and where we find Jesus in the midst of our brokenness. Find this wonderful new book at cph.org/findinghope. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Rev. Michael Meyer, Manager of Training with LCMS World Relief and Human Care Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the disasters in the last year that may have been overlooked because of the pandemic, the needs of those affected by these disasters, how Disaster Response has been able to meet those needs, the training that has started up again, and how to get involved. Learn more about Lutheran Early Response Teams at LCMS-lert.org and about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster. Find information on the DOXOLOGY Take Heart retreats for pastors at doxology.us.

Deaconess Kim Trombley — New Executive Director of The Shepherd’s Hand Community Outreach Center, and Deaconess Rachel Jaseph — Founding Executive Director of The Shepherd's Hand, join Andy to talk about the needs of the community where The Shepherd's Hand is located, how they are meeting those needs, how partnerships are important to the work of The Shepherd's Hand, and the passing of the baton from Deaconess Rachel to Deaconess Kim as Rachel moves on to her and her husband's call to the mission field. Learn more about Shepherd's Hand and the upcoming support events at shepherdshandfw.org/upcoming-events.

David Vandercar, Executive Director of Lakeview Ministries in Seymour, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the benefit of summer camp for kids, the challenges Lakeview Ministries faced in 2020, the creative ways they were able to persist through the crisis, how they are approaching this summer with COVID precautions, and what opportunities are available for campers. Learn about all the exciting camp experiences at lakeview.camp. If you're not near Indiana but want to attend camp, check out Lutheran camps nationwide at nloma.org.

Sarah Pieper, Molly Baker, and DCE Sherry Bolosan, wives of Concordia Seminary St. Louis students, join Andy and Sarah to share about the current family life for them and their husbands, what life is like as a wife of a seminarian, the many transitions that seminary families go through, how the last year was different than the "normal," and what they're looking forward to in the next year. Find CSL Call Day information at csl.edu/callday. Find CTSFW Call Day information at callday.ctsfw.edu.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about making meaning gratefully, including what Biblical gratitude looks like in daily living, where we see the duality of hardship and gratitude in Scripture, the Jewish concept of Deyanu, and the many benefits of practicing daily gratitude. Read the CPH Blog article referenced at blog.cph.org/serve/gratitude-when-gratefulness-wont-come and listen to Heidi on the CPH Podcast at cph.buzzsprout.com/1176293/6363172-practicing-gratitude-with-heidi-goehmann. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, and Julianna Shults, Manager of LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the End Goals Podcast from LCMS Youth Ministry, how End Goals has grown since the first episode, the guests and topics covered on the podcast, and how End Goals meets the needs of parents, pastors, youth leaders, church workers, and others who care for youth. Find the End Goals Podcast at kfuo.org/endgoals.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Senior Assistant to the President of the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why KFUO Radio is important to them, how often we should be receiving the Word of God, and the significance of our Lutheran confessions. Watch this episode live at facebook.com/thelcms!

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW — Deaconess, therapist, speaker, and author; Erin Bode — jazz recording artist; and Tanner Olson — poet, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the intersection of faith, art, and well-being, including how faith informs their art, how their art informs their faith, and how art plays a role in their wellness. Find Heidi at heidigoehmann.com, find Erin at erinbode.com, and find Tanner at writtentospeak.com. If you are grateful for The Coffee Hour, consider supporting KFUO Radio with a gift today so that we can continue broadcasting the Gospel of Christ to listeners worldwide. Give now at kfuo.org/give or text KFUO to 41444.

Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we have Daily Chapel at the International Center, what we believe about the power of the Word of God, why the church year matters in our lives, and the benefits of listening to KFUO Radio. Find the Daily Chapel schedule at kfuo.org/daily-chapel-schedule. If you are grateful for The Coffee Hour, consider supporting KFUO Radio with a gift today so that we can continue broadcasting the Gospel of Christ to listeners worldwide. Give now at kfuo.org/give or text KFUO to 41444.

Rev. Sean Smith, host of Concord Matters on KFUO Radio and pastor of Immanuel-Campbell Hill and St. Paul-Wine Hill, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a Call or Divine Call, what a pastor considers when a Call is extended, and the process through which churches and pastors go through during the deliberation process. This is a rebroadcast from November 12, 2019.

David Vandercar, co-coordinator for the Men’s Gathering, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what's unique about a men's gathering, what's happened at past gatherings, the topic of study at this year's gathering, and the full fantastic lineup for this year. Learn more and register at mensgathering.us.

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Pulse — Professor of Exegetical Theology, Director of Certification and Placement, and Director of Continuing Education at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Call Day is a special day at CTSFW, the formation process that happens during a seminarian's time at the Seminary, the process for Calling candidates, and why this day is significant for congregations. Call Day at CTSFW is Tuesday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT. Watch the livestream and find the listing of placements at callday.ctsfw.edu.

Rev. Dr. Glenn Nielsen — Professor of Practical Theology, Director of Placement, and Director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Call Day a special day at CSL, the formation that happens during four years at the Seminary, how this Call is different from future Calls a pastor may receive, and how the day is significant for both candidates and congregations. Call Day service at CSL is Wednesday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Watch the livestream and find the listing of placements at csl.edu/callday.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about making meaning thoughtfully, how integrity fits into our thoughts and emotions, and how our identity as a child of God gives us a base to process our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Rev. Brian Heller, Chaplain at Lutheran Senior Services in Laclede Groves, Missouri, and author of “Memory Matters” in the April 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he has seen memorization of Scipture and hymns as a blessing to those in memory care units, how families can teach their children Scripture and hymnody, and why we should commit these things to memory. Read this article online at witness.lcms.org/2021/memory-matters.

Mary Schmidt, Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about this year's Sharathon event, the giving levels offered this year, and how to support KFUO Radio. We rely on listener support to continue sharing the Gospel of Christ Jesus to listeners worldwide! Join us for Sharathon 2021 on April 22-24 to partner with us in this work. Find all the details at kfuo.org/sharathon. Call during Sharathon Worldwide: (800) 730-2727 St. Louis: (314) 821-0850 Text-to-Give Text KFUO to 41444 at any time. Receive a messageto complete your gift. Visit kfuo.org/donate

Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Sanchez — Professor of Hispanic Ministries, professor of Systematic Theology, and director of the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri — joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the need for conversations and studies for church leaders in multiethnic topics, what Global South Christianity is, and how we can approach these conversations in order to learn and grow. Register for the 2021 Multiethnic Symposium at Concordia Seminary at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/multiethnic-symposium.